If you’re in search of a tequila cocktail beyond the usual Margaritas and Palomas, it’s time to discover the Mexican Firing Squad Cocktail. This vibrant concoction, blending tequila with lime juice, grenadine, and bitters, offers a refreshing and flavorful experience that stands out from the crowd. Just as invigorating as its more famous tequila counterparts, the Mexican Firing Squad is a drink worth adding to your home bar repertoire.
The story of this intriguing cocktail dates back to 1939, thanks to the writings of historian and bon vivant Charles H. Baker. In his renowned guide, Gentleman’s Companion, Baker documented his global adventures in drinking, introducing the Mexican Firing Squad cocktail to American audiences alongside another classic, the Remember the Maine. Baker, not a bartender but a worldly traveler, stumbled upon this tequila gem at La Cucaracha Cocktail Club in Mexico City a couple of years prior to his book’s publication.
Baker recounts a tale of escaping the typical tourist traps with a companion in Mexico City. Tired of being led to “fancy, rather dull places, served too warm drinks” by their chaperones—”2 young Mexican caballeros whose parents mattered in official circles in Mexico”—Baker and his friend sought a more authentic experience. They ventured into La Cucaracha Cocktail Club, a place “where an aristocrat native oughtn’t to be seen!”, and there, they discovered the Mexican Firing Squad cocktail. Despite its name, “La Cucaracha,” meaning “the cockroach,” the bar was far from a dive. Instead, it was a sophisticated establishment reminiscent of the Prohibition era, boasting a menu of 40 classic cocktails and even featuring a dapper, cigar-smoking cockroach in a tuxedo on its menu. It was in this unexpected setting that Baker and his companion became thoroughly enamored with this tequila creation, admitting they “almost became wrecked upon” it.
Baker’s original recipe for the Mexican Firing Squad cocktail was straightforward yet impactful: two generous pours of tequila, the juice of two small limes, one and a half to two teaspoons of grenadine or gomme syrup, and a couple of dashes of Angostura bitters. Modern interpretations often lean towards a slightly sweeter profile with a touch more grenadine. For the best Mexican Firing Squad cocktail, start with blanco tequila. This unaged tequila expression highlights the pure agave flavors, harmonizing beautifully with citrus-forward drinks. Fresh lime juice provides the essential brightness and tartness, while grenadine adds a fruity sweetness and vibrant color. For a truly exceptional cocktail, consider using high-quality grenadine or even making your own pomegranate syrup to elevate the drink’s flavor. Finally, don’t skimp on the Angostura bitters; a few generous dashes bring depth and warm spice notes, tying all the elements together. While some contemporary recipes suggest topping it with club soda, the classic Mexican Firing Squad cocktail is perfectly refreshing on its own. It’s a sophisticated and flavorful alternative to your usual Margarita, ready to impress your palate and your guests.
